BrianV

I'm not a newbie in the car world, I've just sold my supercharged nissan maxima (www.brianv.net/car.htm). I've decided to retire my racing days and purchase a troublefree Lexus. I'm tired of spending money on cars and always concerned with how fast it is.

I'm choosing the Lexus because I love the fact that it's rattle free, reliable, and quiet. The performance is decent for a car its size.

I was curious about wheels and suspension.

I have no interest in go fast mods because frankly, short of that one guys twin turbo kit, nothing will make the LS anywhere near as fast as my Maxima was, not interested in these kind of mods as they impair reliability at times and make the car louder.

About suspension, I would be willing to lower the car if I wouldn't sacrifice the quality of the car. I don't mind a stiffer, sportier ride, but I don't want bottoming out (especially with passengers in the back seat), I don't want rubbing, I don't want increased road noise, nor do I want hitting pot holes to be uncomfortable/loud. Every lowered car I've been in pretty much gets louder and doesn't handle crappy roads very well, it shakes and rattles the interior and the impact of the pothole can be heard throughout the cabin. Nor do I want to put a trunk full of stuff and a rear seat full of people in the car only to find out that the rear is bottoming out or has obtained a bad ride. The point of the LS400 is to have unsurpassed comfort and relaxation while driving. However, I wouldn't mind a little bit quicker steering response nor would I mind getting the center of gravity a little lower. Is there any way to do this without compromise? Also, how are Lexus stock shocks, or is this a car that requires aftermarket springs to be fitted with shocks as well.

On another note, wheels, the 96-97 wheels look like they belong on a Buick. These have got to go, I don't want anything too flasy. What's the common 17 and 18" size with tires that people are running? Any styles that look good, I don't want anything radical, just clean. The LS400 is a pretty plain car and therefore I think the wheels should be relatively plain and simple. Unforunately, rims with a stock height car just makes it look higher and more out of proportion. Are there any stock size wheels (perhaps on other Lexus models, or different eyar LS400's) that look better that I can just direct swap onto the 95-97.

Thanks again for all your help, I look forward to posting here.

pongydoo

I like the 17 inch GS rims, but I don't know what is the offset on that but I suppose it would fit. I have yet to see one LS with that rims!

SWEETSOUND2001

That's because those wheels will not clear the brake calipers. There was someone on here that tried it and it wouldn't work. I would say you can do 17" 2002 LS430 wheels. That should give you better steering reponse. As for suspension, stiffer shocks with stock springs will handle better.

oac3

love the wheels on your '93 LS. How much did it cost to install ? That is the best set of wheels I have ever seen on an LS, and that is EXACTLY what I want to change mine to... I have been shopping for wheels but nothing excited me until I saw yours... That is real sweet !!! If you'd prefer to respond via a PM, that'd be fine with me...

mervlink

BrianV

Check out my post on LS400 with SC430 wheels....I have info on my suspension mods and Lexus wheel upgrade.

BrianV

What suspension do you have and how is the ride?

Looks nice.

khang

I have 18x9 moda R6 wheels with all 255/45-18 tires on my '99 LS400. It looks pretty cool though.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Displ...t+Silver+Paint

cabby850

HI,

Does anyone know if the SC430 wheel will fit on a 95 LS400?

Thanks

Ed

SWEETSOUND2001

Yes, SC430 wheels will fit 90-97 LS400. I have a set for sale

VVT-i

I don't think the SC430 wheels will fit the 95+ LS, because the front brake on the 95+ LS have 4 pistons caliper designed vs 2 pistons on the SC430.

seanl

I have a Opal Pearl White '97 LS400 Coach Edition that I bought just about two years ago at the Orlando/Ochoee Auction (with 53K miles on it). It was a lease return.

I've put approx 23K miles on the car in the past two years and it's been great....totally reliable and a pleasure to drive. I recently changed all the brake pads at home in my garage and I can say that this is one easy car to work on (so far). I also had to change out the factory battery (Panasonic), it was slowly dying.

My Coach Ed. did come with the nicer '98-'99 style wheel, but painted vs. machined alum. Mine were in fair condition, so last Spring I bought a set of '99 LS400 wheels off the Internet-- in mint condition-- for $600 and sat on them until I needed new tires a few months later. In early July '02 I installed the new wheels along with Bridgestone Turanza LS tires, the car looks and rides much, much better. I was even able to sell my 'fair condition' '97 Coach wheels for $300.

The '97s are definitely a good value, but if I were buying right now I'd spend a few thousand more and look at the '98s with the 290HP engine!

You can't go wrong with a LS400. The Q45s, on the other hand, have had several quality related problems, even engine and trans. problems. Thanks, but no thanks.

Good Luck.

LS400

BrianV, a good suspension on the market for LS's are the Tein's. The usual widths that typical LS owners run for rims are usually 8.5 - 10. Typical is 8.5 all around or 8.5 up front & 10 in the back.

Good luck.